Residents resist eviction from council properties

Makokoba residents in Bulawayo occupying council rented houses have resisted moves by the local authority to evict them from its properties demanding alternative accommodation before they vacate.

Councillor for the ward James Sithole told Radio Dialogue on Thursday that some residents were given three months notice due end of this month.

“Makokoba suburb is faced with an acute problem of accommodation and most residents use rented properties from the city council,” he said. “But in recent months residents were ordered to vacate the properties a decision they have resisted.”

He further said the residents have approached him saying they are not going to move out of the properties unless given alternative houses.

“No new houses have been built and council is struggling to manage its housing backlog. Currently more than three families are sharing a house in Makokoba and most of them are elderly people,” said Sithole.

The concerned residents, Sithole said, are accusing council officials in the Housing and Community Services department of corruption in the allocation of houses.

Michael Bonde, a member of Makokoba residents association alleged some council officials have been bribed to implement their eviction.

“How can you evict someone who has occupied the property for nearly 30 years?” he queried. “Council should just sell those houses to current occupants not to bring in new people.”

Makokoba councillor James Sithole told Radio Dialogue on Thursday that some residents were given three months notice due end of this month.

“Makokoba suburb is faced with an acute problem of accommodation and most residents use rented properties from the city council,” he said. “But in recent months residents were ordered to vacate the properties a decision they have resisted.”

He further said the residents have approached him saying they are not going to move out of the properties unless given alternative houses.

“No new houses have been built and council is struggling to manage its housing backlog. Currently more than three families are sharing a house in Makokoba and most of them the elderly people,” said Sithole.

The concerned residents, Sithole said, are accusing council officials in the Housing and Community Services department of corruption in the allocation of houses.

Michael Bonde, a member of Makokoba residents association alleged some council officials have been bribed to implement their eviction.

“How can you evict someone who has occupied the property for nearly 30 years?” he queried. “Council should just sell those houses to current occupants not to bring in new people.”

Bulawayo city council’s housing backlog has ballooned to nearly 100 000.Makokoba residents in Bulawayo occupying council rented houses have resisted moves by the local authority to evict them from its properties demanding alternative accommodation before they vacate.